How To Prepare for Assisted Living: 10 Steps for a Smooth Transition
Mom’s lived alone since Dad passed away and was doing well — until the last few months.
Intermittent falls, memory lapses, and expressing the fear of being alone are becoming more prevalent, and Mom’s two-story home is far from ideal for an aging adult.
After some research, you’ve agreed that assisted living is the perfect option. But, transitioning to assisted living is a big move.
In our guide, we help you prepare for a smooth life change with 10 steps to create a smooth transition to assisted living for both you and your loved one.
10 Steps for Transitioning to Assisted Living
Preparing for the Move
There are practical arrangements that must be addressed before any moving day, and transitioning to assisted living requires a similar amount of planning.
Some essential tasks to prepare for your or your loved one’s transition to assisted living may include:
- Hiring a moving company
- Handling utility accounts and bills
- Downsizing belongings
- Packing items to be included with the move
- Selling large items that will no longer be needed, such as appliances or vehicles
- Sharing the new address and contact information with personal contacts
#1: Research Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living is housing for seniors who need assistance with tasks like bathing, dressing, and grooming. You may hear it referred to as a residential care facility, long-term care facility, assisted living facility, or board and care home.
While care is a big part of assisted living, these communities also offer activities and services to make life easier and more enjoyable.
When planning a potential move into a senior living community, consider the following:
- Research different establishments in the desired area.
- Compare the financial requirements of each home or facility.
- Discuss the personal logistics of a move, such as the need to sell a home.
- Be sure the community offers the desired amenities.
- Discuss a plan in case healthcare needs increase.
- Tour as many communities as needed to be confident in your choice.
#2: Schedule a Visit Before Moving In
Just like high school students who visit colleges before making a decision, you can schedule a visit to your potential community to ensure it will be a good fit.
Some things to do while visiting the community may include:
- Speaking to current residents
- Exploring the community
- Participating in activities or community events
- Sampling a meal from the dining services
- Visiting a furnished apartment
- Witnessing staff interactions with residents
#3: Pack Efficiently
The new community is home, and it should feel comfortable. Being surrounded by the things that are near or dear to your heart can help create a homey atmosphere.
However, you may have lived in your house for decades. How can you possibly downsize yourself into a much smaller apartment? Packing efficiently is key.
Consider checking with the community for the following before moving:
- What are the dimensions of the apartment, including each room?
- Is the apartment furnished?
- Are the appliances provided?
A general rule of thumb is to think small. The new space won’t be as spacious as your home, so avoid oversized furniture and unnecessary clutter that could make it feel cramped or uncomfortable.
#4: “Housekeeping”
Any move requires some general housekeeping. This move, in particular, may even require the huge task of selling your home.
What other housekeeping items may need to be updated?
- Address change and mail forwarding
- Banking and financial restructuring
- Routine subscriptions
- Change of physicians, if you’re moving a considerable distance
- Prescriptions and pharmacy
- Utility services, including:
- Cable
- Electric
- Natural gas
- Internet
- Phone
#5: Create a Budget
The transition to assisted living will come with a new cost of living. The financial restructuring and budget changes can be daunting and may include questions like:
- What is the new budget for each month?
- What are the anticipated total monthly expenses?
- Where are the funds coming from each month?
- Is an insurance plan or Medicaid supplementation involved?
- Are there additional resources available that will contribute to your budget, such as the sale of a home?
Understanding the financial and personal logistics of a move can feel overwhelming, but when it comes down to the numbers and overall budget, take it one step at a time.
#6: Set Up Your New Space
Even though the surrounding walls are new, you can personalize the space by bringing:
- Familiar furniture
- Houseplants
- Photos
- Everyday decor
- Holiday decorations
Although the new apartment is in a retirement community, it can look and feel like home in just a short time. Personal touches can make the transition to retirement living all the more comfortable.
Getting Acclimated
#7: Meet Staff and Other Residents
The best way to feel comfortable in the new environment is to meet fellow residents and the staff.
Once you’re settled into your new space, don’t be afraid to reach out! Your new neighbors or residents have the potential to turn into genuine friendships in the days and months to come.
#8: Continue to Spend Time With Loved Ones
The mental health benefits of family visits for seniors are profound. Mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety, are not uncommon among aging adults — especially when adjusting to a new environment.
Visits from family and friends can combat these issues, providing emotional reassurance and the normalcy of routines.
By spending time with loved ones, seniors experience the mental stimulation that comes from interacting in deep conversations. These visits often become opportunities to discuss current events and share memories, both of which enhance mental activity and possibly delay cognitive decline.
The presence of family also lessens stress and anxiety, offering a comforting reminder that their loved ones are nearby.
#9: Participate in Community Events and Activities
Many facilities have a very active social calendar, including community events and activities that encourage social engagement and interactions.
While you or your loved one can always enjoy the privacy of the apartment, these events may provide the following opportunities:
- Meeting the new residents
- Developing and strengthening friendships
- Fun reasons to leave the apartment
- Physical exercise
- Boosting mood
- Cognitive exercise
#10: Stay Involved in Life Outside the Community
Other than your living arrangements, life does not have to look much different than before your transition to assisted living — and it is important to remain active with your friends and family outside your new community.
Grocery trips, physician appointments, and family gatherings may still be part of your life. In fact, many assisted living facilities provide routine transportation for these nearby services so you can still maintain your life outside the community.
How Long Does It Take for Someone to Adjust to Assisted Living?
Adjustment to a new living arrangement will be unique to each person. However, 3–6 months is the average time it takes to feel comfortable and somewhat settled in your new environment.
Factors that may affect the overall adjustment to an assisted living community could include:
- Personalities
- Overall health
- Level of family involvement and visits
- A personalized apartment that feels like home
- Encouragement from the community to become involved with activities, events, or social gatherings
Transitioning to assisted living remains an emotional experience that extends well beyond the actual move, and some homesickness is normal.
Don’t be discouraged if the first couple of weeks seem extra hard and try to focus on the positive aspects of the new environment.
Experience a Smooth Transition to Assisted Living within a Senior Services of America Communities
You’ve made the decision to transition to an assisted living community. Allow our team to help make it a smooth one for you and your family.
Our communities provide the full range of senior living options and levels of care to accommodate every lifestyle. Our residents are encouraged to pursue personal interests and maximize their independence while still receiving the supportive services they may require.
Contact your nearby Senior Services of America community today for additional information and tours, and begin a seamless transition to a healthy, safe, and active assisted living environment.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.